Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Modernization works at pilgrimage centers

In a bid to provide ambient atmosphere for tourists visiting historical and pilgrimage centers in the district, the Department of Muzrai and Tourism have jointly taken up major renovation and modernisation works at these places costing Rs 1.5 crore.

Mudukuthore, one of the Panchalingas near Talakad in T Narasipur Taluk, situated atop a hillock in the backdrop of the Somagirihill ranges attracts large number of tourist. The visitors here will cherish the picturesque backdrop of hill, as well as worship Lord Mallikarjuna. The Hill being situated on the banks of Cauvery river, one has to climb hundreds of steps to reach the temple.

As the steps to the hill temple are not properly placed, the relaying work is under progress atop the hill from Betrahalli Maramma temple to Hill, so that the visiting devotees and tourists can climb it with ease. There are about 180 steps in which already 40 steps have been relaid. The cost of the project is Rs 50 lakh.

Famous Chunchanakatte Water Falls, where the water cascades from a height of 22 meters on River Cauvery will be made as a tourist spot at the cost of Rs 25 lakh. Sri Rama Temple at Chunchanakatte will also be developed.

Construction of toilets, drinking water tanks and rest rooms for devotees will be taken up at Kendaganna Swamy Temple in Hunsur Taluk, Srikanteshwara Swamy Temple in Nanjangud; Vaidyanatheshwara Temple at Talakadu at the cost of Rs 25 lakh respectively.

Muzrai Department Tahsildar Yathiraju said that the necessary lands will be provided by the Department whereas the expenditure incurred for the construction will be borne by the Tourism Department. In the sanctioned Rs 1.5 crore already 1.25 crore has been released and the works are under progress.

“With steady increase in the number of devotees as well as tourists visiting the holy shrines every year, there is an urgent need to provide basic amenities at these places,” he added.